Casablanca – The Dakhla Atlantic Port project is entering a decisive phase of accelerated construction, with overall progress now exceeding 60%, reflecting steady momentum on one of Morocco’s most ambitious infrastructure developments designed to reshape the country’s southern economic landscape and strengthen its Atlantic-facing connectivity.

Across multiple technical components of the project, work is advancing in parallel at different stages of completion. The maritime viaduct, which serves as a key structural link between the mainland and the offshore port zone, has reached approximately 85% completion, making it one of the most advanced elements of the entire complex. At the same time, land reclamation operations have surpassed 44%, as engineers continue to expand and stabilize over 60 hectares of newly created port platforms intended to host future logistics, industrial, and energy facilities.

The Dakhla Atlantic Port is conceived as a multi-purpose maritime hub combining commercial shipping, fisheries infrastructure, energy logistics, and industrial development zones. Its design includes several major operational components: a fishing port, a commercial basin, a container terminal, a hydrocarbons terminal, service quays, and large-scale logistics and industrial platforms. The integrated nature of these facilities reflects a broader national strategy to develop specialized port ecosystems capable of supporting diversified economic activities.

One of the most advanced engineering phases involves the construction of breakwater and quay infrastructure. Nearly 9,000 massive concrete blocks are being manufactured on-site to form the structural foundation of docking areas. These units, weighing between 72 and 98 tons each, are engineered to withstand harsh Atlantic maritime conditions, including strong wave energy and heavy operational loads. Production is taking place in dedicated fabrication zones directly within the project site, allowing for continuous supply and installation operations.

Within this framework, two principal quays are under development in the multipurpose basin. The first, with a depth of 12 meters, is dedicated to fisheries activities and is designed to support both landing and on-site processing of seafood products. The second, with a depth of 14 meters, is intended for heavy and oversized cargo, particularly equipment linked to energy and industrial projects. Fabrication of structural components for these quays is progressing at different speeds, with some elements already reaching approximately 85% completion in production phases and partial installation underway.

The marine protection system, extending over approximately 8 kilometers, is another critical component of the project. It includes layered breakwater structures and advanced protective systems designed to stabilize the port basin against Atlantic swell. Engineers are using specialized armor units arranged in multi-layer configurations to absorb wave impact and protect internal infrastructure. These coastal defenses are essential for ensuring long-term operational stability in an open-ocean environment.

In parallel, land development activities are progressing through a circular material management approach, using dredged sediments and excavated materials to form stable industrial platforms. This method has allowed authorities to advance the reclamation of large areas while optimizing environmental and logistical efficiency. The first reclaimed zone has reached around 60% completion, while additional basins and industrial platforms are gradually being prepared for future operations.

The total investment allocated to the project is estimated at approximately $1.3 billion, reflecting its scale as a national strategic infrastructure initiative. Beyond its maritime functions, the port is expected to include integrated industrial zones, logistics platforms, and service areas designed to attract private investment and support export-oriented production chains. Authorities expect the project to generate significant employment opportunities once operational, particularly in logistics, fisheries processing, energy services, and industrial manufacturing.

Strategically, the Dakhla Atlantic Port is positioned as a key node in Morocco’s broader ambition to strengthen its Atlantic corridor and deepen economic ties with West Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It is also aligned with emerging national energy strategies, including the development of green hydrogen infrastructure. The port has been identified as a potential export platform for future hydrogen-related value chains, reflecting its planned integration into global energy transition networks.

Beyond its technical and economic dimensions, the project is increasingly viewed as a tool for territorial rebalancing. Morocco’s economic activity remains highly concentrated along coastal urban corridors, particularly between Tangier and Casablanca. In this context, large-scale infrastructure projects such as Dakhla Atlantic and Nador West Med are designed to redistribute growth opportunities and improve connectivity with less-developed regions.

However, experts emphasize that the long-term impact of the port will depend not only on construction progress but also on the development of surrounding economic ecosystems. This includes the creation of industrial clusters, logistics services, skilled labor markets, and transport connectivity linking the port to inland regions. Without such integration, the full potential of the infrastructure could remain underutilized.

At present, the project is transitioning from a predominantly engineering-focused phase into a broader economic structuring stage. While physical construction continues at a rapid pace, attention is increasingly turning toward how the port will function as a catalyst for industrial development, trade expansion, and regional integration once operational in the coming years.